John L. Huston, Chicago, IL, passed away on December 13, 2024.

John was born in 1944 and spent his childhood on a general livestock and grain farm in Roseville, IL.  He graduated from the University of Illinois with a B.S. degree in Agricultural Education and upon graduation received the Coultas Memorial Award as Outstanding Senior in the College of Agriculture. He went on to enjoy a 32-year career in cattle/meat industry, serving as President of the National Livestock and Meat Board in Chicago. At retirement he was Executive Vice-President of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association.

Respected as an authority on meat marketing, John was in demand as a public speaker, both within the U.S. and internationally. His speeches were famous for his trademark wit and passion for the beef industry, from producer to consumer.

John's strong ties to his alma mater continued throughout his life. He served as: President of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) Alumni Association; Chairman of the Illinois Agricultural Leadership Foundation; Delegate to the National Council for Agricultural Research, Extension and Teaching; and Chair of the Chancellor's Commission for University of Illinois Extension.

Throughout his career and beyond, John received many awards for his leadership and contributions to the livestock and meat industry. Most recently, he received the 2023 Beef Visionary Award from the Cattlemen's Beef Board.

John is preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Opal Huston, his brother, Dr. Raymond Huston, and his nephew, Nicholas Huston, all of Roseville, IL.  He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Anne (nee Lyons), daughter Katie Gallagher (Dennis) of LaGrange, IL, sons Patrick of San Diego and Mark of Chicago, grandsons Jack and Joe Gallagher of LaGrange, brother Pat Huston of Roseville, and many nieces and nephews and their families.

Family and friends will meet on Friday, December 20, 2024, at Saint Clement Parish, 642 West Deming Place, Chicago, Illinois 60614 for a 10:30 a.m. Visitation followed by an 11:30 a.m. Funeral Mass.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Lincoln Park Community Services, 1521 N. Sedgwick St., Chicago, IL 60610, 773-549-6111, www.lpcschicago.org OR NAMI Chicago, 224 W. Hill St., Ste. 410, Chicago, IL 60610, 312-477-3593, www.namichicago.org .

For further information please call 312-421-0936.